Muslim Council Of Elders Organises Seminar On Environmental Protection At Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) featured a seminar titled "Environmental Protection is a Human Responsibility," organised by the Muslim Council of Elders. Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman, led the discussion. He highlighted that sustainability aligns with the UAE's vision and its leadership's commitment to preserving natural resources.

Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasised that sustainability reflects the UAE's dedication to protecting the environment, echoing the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He quoted Sheikh Zayed: "Give me agriculture, and I shall guarantee you civilization." This statement underscores the importance of agriculture in achieving sustainable development.

Integrity was identified as a cornerstone of sustainability by Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi. He urged for high human values like honesty and justice, which are deeply embedded in Emirati culture. Describing Emirati society as a "rare diamond," he praised its leadership and people for their commitment to these values.

The efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, were commended by Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi. The Council has been instrumental in engaging religious leaders to tackle global issues such as climate change. Their initiatives include organising the Global Summit of Religious Leaders and establishing the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29.

Sheikh Dr. Al Nuaimi also discussed how reading and writing contribute to cultural and intellectual sustainability. He stated, "When you open a book, you open a window to a new world and plant seeds of wisdom in your heart." This highlights how literature can shape future generations through knowledge sharing.

Environmental Awareness and Conservation Efforts

He called for efforts to revive rivers and protect endangered species from extinction threats. Emphasising human responsibility towards Earth, he shared his experiences visiting Rwanda's rare gorillas, noting their harmonious existence with nature as an example for humans.

The seminar underscored that environmental protection requires collective human responsibility and awareness. By fostering values like integrity and justice, societies can work towards sustainable development while addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change effectively.

With inputs from WAM